One obvious fact from the list is that the vast majority of entries are from clubs close to Dublin or at least are a modest distance by car. Despite it being a National Championships, only 9 club runners from Cork are listed and 5 of those are from Leevale AC.
National 10k Entry List
Cathy Kenneally Female Ballincollig AC None
Carmel Crowley Female Bandon AC None
Mark Hanrahan Male Leevale Athletic Club Senior
Anthony Mannix Male Leevale Athletic Club Senior
John O'Connell Male Leevale Athletic Club 35+
Colm Sheahan Male Leevale Athletic Club Senior
Andrew Sheehan Male Leevale Athletic Club Senior
John Shine Male Leevale Athletic Club Senior
Nick Darmody Male Mallow AC None
It's pretty mush the same story for most of the other clubs in Munster. There are no entries listed for Waterford AC or West Waterford AC. Most of the other clubs in Kerry and Limerick are also missing or have very low numbers. The only exception seems to be Clonmel AC who have a team of 20.
Is it a case of it being too far? Does the fact it's a national championship mean much to most club runners? Or is it just the fact that there are plenty of other local races without having to travel to Dublin for one?
National 10k is but once a year, well worth a trip. Its a great event . Getting runners to travel is always difficult. Plenty of local races every week of the year, club runners should aim for the big races a few times a year
ReplyDeleteTrue John but why isnt the national 10k rotated around the country.All national champs are in Dublin.the reason is great run and competitor who run the Rock and roll half pay the AAI.the GIR is not fast there is nothing special about it.Rotate the venue again.
ReplyDeleteIf the National Championships are moved around the country then almost certainly, the numbers drop.
ReplyDeleteAthletics Ireland also make money on the mass entries to these events. If the races were outside Dublin then they would lose a major source of income.